The Meridian Museum of Art will hold its Holiday Gala, an annual celebration of art by museum members and recognition of the organization’s dedicated supporters, on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the downtown Meridian gallery.

The gala will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the art museum, located at 628 25th Avenue. The program for the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will honor members from past and present, donors and supporters.

The gala is open to the public. Attendees can sign up to become members of the museum with an individual membership costing $60; family membership, $100: and patron, $175.

“Over our 53 years of existence as the Meridian Museum of Art, we have had many to give countless hours and funds to begin and keep the museum running. We would not have survived if not for our supporters,” said Executive Director Kate Cherry.

The museum has taken on a festive appearance with holiday decorations interspersed between the galleries and artwork. Attendees to the gala will enjoy live music by Mary Catherine Pogue, a cellist with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

“During this time of year, I am always extremely grateful to the individuals who have made the museum great,” Cherry said.

The gala combines the reception for the museum’s annual Membership Exhibition with a program that remembers and honors the people who have helped to build and support the museum for more than five decades.

The annual Membership Exhibition will include works by 25 members of the Meridian Museum of Art, including local artists Tim Allred, David Barr, Kathy Dearman, Denise Dengler, Dr. Keith Everett, Cooper Michael French, Kris Gianakos, Ed Gough, Shelly Graham, Joy Greer, Jill Hammes, Martha Hopkins, Gary Howse, Marsha Iverson, Bob Jeffares, Rosemay Kahlmus, Wanda Price, Mouise Richards, Patsy Temple, Byron Vaughns and Caulene Wilkinson. Member Pam Prather also will feature a private work from her collection. Their works will be on display in the museum’s three downstairs galleries.

“This exhibit means a lot to us,” Cherry said. “For our members, it’s one of the special privileges of being a member. For us, it’s a beautiful chance to show off their artistic talents.”

In addition to the current members’ artwork on display, this year’s gala will feature some special works in the Burdette Gallery in memory of several former artists and museum supporters who are now deceased. Among the artists being honored and remembered are Alex and Jean Loeb, Les Green, Homer Casteel, Joey Horne, Doris McKinney, Clo Ann Rabb, Bob Deen and Lallah Perry.

The Membership Exhibition will be on display at the museum through the month of January. Admission to the Meridian Museum of Art is free.

Sponsors for the Membership Exhibition and Holiday Gala are the City of Meridian, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Riley Foundation, the Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi and the Charles L. Young Foundation.

For more information about the event, contact Kate Cherry at 601-693-1501 or meridianmuseum@bellsouth.net, or visit the museum’s website at meridianmuseum.org.